Research · Compact Cars

2017 Acura ILXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 20 owner complaints for the 2017 Acura ILX. Most complaints involve service brakes (4) and power train (4). The EPA rates it 29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
29mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Dec 2025
Owner complaints
20
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$2,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Dec 12, 2025NHTSA 25V859000

Fuel system

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Dec 19, 2023NHTSA 23V858000

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.

Power trainReported Jun 6, 2019NHTSA 19V424000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

20 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2016 – Apr 2026
  1. Service brakes4
  2. Power train4
  3. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  4. Electrical system1
  5. Tires1
  6. Fuel/propulsion system1
  7. Air bags1
  8. Structure1
  9. Fuel system, gasoline1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each ILX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201366
201429
201519
201652
201720
201823
201936
202010
202111
20223
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

4 reports1 crash
“I have a recall on my Acura 2017 ILX. I called Bergstrom Acura Appleton in Wisconsin to make an appointment. Ashley said it would take about 2 hours. Trying to get a loaner car out of her was like pulling teeth. A week before service would have taken place, she called back and said that there was a diagnostic fee with the recall. I tried to retrain her about manufacturing problems are the dealership not mine. She would not budge. Don’t know what they are holding over this poor girl to get her to act in such a unprofessional, incompetent, undignified manner.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 3, 2026Service brakesODI 11728994

Power train

4 reports
“My 2017 Acura ILX makes a loud clunk, and shifts extremely hard when coming or coasting to a stop. 1-2 gear seems to be the only time this issue arises. This issues creates startling reaction from the driver due to the loud clunk and force of the shift in gears, as well as loss of confidence in the vehicles ability to safely come stop without issues. Reproducing the issue is difficult because the issue usually occurs in traffic in 1-2 gears and test driving it around the block is not sufficient enough to experience hard shift/clunk. I was told it may be the rear differential bushing. Once they checked that, they were able to rule out the possible bushing issue. There are no codes being shown, and no other issues present before or clunk/jamming of the gears. This issue began 4-5 months after purchasing the vehicle from A Honda/Acura Dealer Washington in Dec 2020”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 30, 2021Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11430969

Service brakes, hydraulic

1 report
“The contact owns a 2017 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that parts were not available for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 20, 2026Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11719412
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S8)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
ILX
Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253529$2,650309
  • ILX
    Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    25 city · 35 hwy · $2,650/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Acura ILX 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 11015
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 ILX questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Acura ILX have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Acura ILX problems?

Owners filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (4), power train (4), service brakes, hydraulic (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Acura ILX get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Acura ILX at 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2017 Acura ILX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Acura ILX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026